Locating Federal Government Contracts for Your Company
You can pay a company to help you locate federal government contracts for your business. However, you can locate federal and government agencies and contracts free by using various government websites.
The top three government contract websites are:
1. SAM.Gov
The General Service Administration (GSA) has combined numerous federal awards, contracting and information websites into one convenient website that businesses can use to search for federal government contracts.
The new website, System for Award Management (SAM), is still in the test phase. The GSA provides a complete list of the ten online systems users can also access to search for government contracts. Companies can use beta.SAM.gov to begin their search for government contracts and also use the list provided by GSA to double-check the specific online systems for federal contracts they may want to pursue.
2. Dynamic Small Business Search (DSBS) (SBA.Gov)
Approximately one-quarter of all federal contracts are set aside each year for small businesses. The official DSBS is maintained by the Small Business Administration (SBA). The DSBS is free to use and allows small businesses to access a list of federal contracts specifically set aside for small businesses.
In addition to meeting the numerical requirements to qualify as a small business, a company must also meet the other general requirements to qualify are federal contracts that aside for small businesses. Those qualifications are:
· The company must be a for-profit business;
· The company must be independently owned and operated;
· The company cannot dominate the field nationally for its particular product or service; and,
· The company must be physically located and operate within the United States or one of its territories.
“Approximately one-quarter of all federal contracts are set aside each year for small businesses. ”
Some contracts are open to any company that qualifies as a small business. However, a number of federal government contracts open to small businesses are limited to specific types of small businesses. For example, some contracts are limited to women-owned businesses or businesses owned by veterans or disabled veterans. Other federal government contracts are HUBZone-certified small businesses or small disadvantaged businesses. The government also helps small businesses by including requirements to use small businesses as subcontractors in larger contracts. Small businesses can also find more contract opportunities or as subcontractors on the SBA's SubNet system.
3. GSA.Gov
If a company has products or services to sell to the federal government, it can begin by securing a contract with agencies of the General Services Administration (GSA). The Office of Acquisition Management and Policy has a list of all federal agency acquisition and procurement links on its website.
In addition to the above websites, you can find more information and get help with the government contracting process at USA.gov. Again, these resources are also free to use. If a company attempts to charge you for these resources, notify the appropriate federal agency immediately.
How Can An Attorney Help You Obtain Federal Government Contracts?
As with any contract, a federal government contract is a legally binding agreement between you and a federal agency. Before contracting with the federal government, you should have your attorney review the contract carefully to explain all the terms and conditions, including any terms that might not be fair or equitable for federal business opportunities your company. Besides reviewing potential contracts, an attorney can also help you prepare proposals for potential contracts, assist in resolving disputes regarding contracts, advise you of the laws and procedures regarding government contracts, and handle any other legal matters or claims which might arise during the job.
“Before contracting with the federal government, you should have your attorney review the contract carefully to explain all the terms and conditions, including any terms that might not be fair or equitable for your company.”
Working with the government can be very lucrative, but it can also be complicated and overwhelming if you do not understand the process. A lawyer can also provide compliance counseling, which reduces the risk of time-consuming and expensive legal issues. Your legal counsel also helps you protect your intellectual property and trade secrets when working with contractors or a government agency.
Work With a DC Fractional General Counsel on Federal Government Contracts
A DC fractional general counsel helps you with every aspect of federal government contracting. From preparing your internal operations and accounting to submitting proposals and completing the work. Contact Steve Thienel today to see how you can benefit from the guidance, support, and legal advice of an experienced general counsel.
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